A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan`s web site have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow text box that resembles the link below and can be found in the right hand rail of the page. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found here:

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

The results of software-based translation do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos, and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Environmental Charges Lead to More Than $22,000 in Fines

Released on November 10, 2017

An American cabin owner and his contractor recently pleaded guilty to environmental charges related to an incident this spring at Madge Lake in Duck Mountain Provincial Park that damaged the shoreline and park property. The individuals were fined a total of $22,400.

During construction of a new cabin in the park’s Benito Cabin Subdivision, a large amount of clay fill from the basement excavation was placed between the leased property line and the bank of the lake. This fill destroyed the natural park vegetation in the area.

Instead of removing the fill as instructed, it was used to landscape beyond the property with a gradual slope to the lake. Up to four feet deep in places without vegetation, the slope caused sediment to run into Madge Lake.

Cabin owner Dr. Stanley Riddell, age 62, of Sammamish, Washington, and his construction contractor, Jeffrey Dahl, age 34, of Aspen Builders in Swan River, Manitoba, pleaded guilty to altering the configuration of the bed, bank or boundary of Madge Lake, contrary to the Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010, and unlawfully damaging trees and other natural vegetation on park land contrary to The Park Regulations.

Riddell was fined $12,600, with Dahl receiving a $9,800 fine.

In addition to the fines, an Immediate Environmental Protection Order was issued with conditions to remediate the damage and put the area back to a natural state. This includes removing the earth fill placed near the water, placing rock riprap to stabilize the bank, laying geotextile fabric on the damaged area, and re-establishing a naturally vegetated bank and boundary.

A court order was also issued to plant five white spruce trees, 10 to 12 feet in height, between the cabin and the shore of Madge Lake.

In Saskatchewan, permits are required before any work near the shoreline of a lake or any work on provincial park land can begin.

If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for Sasktel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.